Farewell speech for a retiring colleague

Good afternoon, everyone. Today we say goodbye to [Name], who retires after [number] years of service. [Name] taught many of us how the work is really done, with patience and without ever raising the voice. This office will not be the same without that calm presence and that cup of tea at eleven. Sir/Ma'am, thank you for everything. We wish you good health, long travels and happy years with your family. Please do visit us.

Good afternoon, respected [seniors] and dear colleagues. We have met today for a reason that is both happy and sad. [Name] is retiring after [number] years with [organisation].

[Number] years. Many of us in this room had not started school when [Name] signed the joining register. Since then, [he/she] has seen this office move from registers to computers, trained batch after batch of newcomers, and somehow remembered every file and every birthday.

I joined here [number] years ago, nervous and sure of nothing. On my first day, it was [Name] who showed me my desk and said, "Ask me anything; there are no foolish questions in the first month." I asked many foolish questions for much longer than a month. Each one got a patient answer. I am sure half of this room has the same story.

What will we remember? The punctuality: we could set our watches by [his/her] arrival. The fairness: [he/she] gave credit by name and took blame alone. And the small kindnesses: covering a shift for someone whose child was unwell, without mentioning it again.

Sir/Ma'am, retirement is not an ending. It is the first time in decades that your day belongs to you. Travel to the places you kept postponing. Spoil your grandchildren. Sleep past six. You have earned every minute.

On behalf of all your colleagues, thank you for your work, your guidance and your friendship. This door is always open for you. We wish you a healthy, peaceful and joyful second innings. Thank you.